NEW YORK, NY – The New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs (NYCFPA) celebrates the news of Paul Rusesabagina’s release from a Rwandan prison. Mr. Rusesabagina, whose story was made famous in the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda, has been held since 2020.

For over two years, the NYCFPA has worked with the Hotel Rwanda Foundation and the Rusesabagina family to fight for his release. The organization also joined with other international and human rights groups to launch a global campaign for his freedom.

“We are pleased to hear the news of Paul’s release and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paul and his family,” said Justin Russell, senior director of the New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs. “While we maintain that Mr. Rusesabagina’s charges, trial and conviction were unfair, we celebrate this news and look forward to welcoming him back to US soil soon.”

Paul Rusesabagina is a humanitarian hero who took a risk during one of Africa’s most violent times to save thousands of lives during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Kigali is expected to save over 1,200 people from certain death at the hands of Hutu militias.

In recent years, Mr Rusesabagina has become an outspoken critic of President Paul Kagame’s administration and was arrested on terrorism charges in August 2020 while traveling abroad in Dubai after Kagame issued an arrest warrant against him without due process or legal representation. His detention sparked outrage from human rights organizations around the world, which they described as politically motivated.

The NYCFPA will continue to closely monitor Mr. Rusesabagina’s case and work with other organizations to ensure justice is done upon his return home. In addition, they will launch a campaign calling on supporters around the world to join them in welcoming Paul safely home when he returns…